Chinese actress Fan Bingbing has made a striking return to the film scene at the Tokyo International Film Festival, showcasing her uncharacteristic role in the film Mother Bhumi. Fifteen years after winning the Best Actress award for her performance in Buddha Mountain, Fan is garnering attention for her portrayal of a single mother and spiritual healer in a rural Malaysian village.
The film, directed by Chong Keat Aun, explores a myriad of themes including colonial legacy, ethnic tensions, and family dynamics. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Bujang Valley, the movie is characterized by its rich storytelling and impressive cinematography by Leung Ming-kai.
Fan, once recognized as one of the highest-paid actresses globally, faced significant challenges during the late 2010s due to allegations of tax evasion. This tumultuous period resulted in a reported fine and retroactive tax bill amounting to approximately $100 million, leading to a five-year absence from the film industry. Her recent performance in Mother Bhumi, which translates to “Mother Earth,” signals a potential renaissance in her career.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Fan discussed her preparation for the demanding role. She expressed her admiration for director Aun’s distinct cinematic style, having previously seen his films, Snow In Midsummer and The Story of Southern Islet. Although the script was not finalized when they met, the story’s emotional depth captivated her.
Preparing for the character’s complex life involved significant effort. Fan revealed, “The hardest part was the language. They were totally different from my mother tongue.” To master five or six dialects featured in the film, she practiced daily for months prior to filming, using recordings provided by Aun.
In addition to language, Fan immersed herself in the local culture by living with farmers in Kedah, Malaysia. This hands-on experience included learning traditional farming techniques and enduring the challenges of working in flooded rice paddies. “There were snakes, blood-sucking insects, and swarms of mosquitoes,” she recounted, emphasizing the physical demands of her role.
The spiritual aspect of her character was influenced by the director’s father, a well-known healer in the region. Fan studied his rituals closely, mimicking his speech and expressions to bring authenticity to her portrayal. “It made me think deeply: what really is ‘power,’ and what does it mean to simply be human?” she reflected on the character’s complexity.
With her career spanning various regions, Fan has worked with filmmakers from China, Hollywood, and beyond. She noted the differences in work styles, particularly the strict schedules of Hollywood productions compared to the more organic, relaxed atmosphere in Malaysia. “It felt like living together, communicating naturally,” she said, highlighting the collaborative spirit of international cinema.
Fan has recently completed filming a project in Japan, collaborating with actor Lily Franky and director Wang Ying. The film, based on a novel by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki, further showcases her versatility and commitment to diverse storytelling.
Reflecting on her five-year hiatus from the industry, Fan acknowledged it as a transformative period. “Being an actor means constantly outputting, but rarely having time to take in new experiences,” she explained. This time of reflection allowed her to gain deeper insights into life and the human experience, influencing her approach to acting.
Despite her eagerness to return to Chinese cinema, Fan expressed concerns about the current landscape of the industry. She noted a decline in diversity and audience engagement, particularly with the rise of short online dramas. “If I make another Chinese film, I want it to be one where I truly feel something for the character,” she stated, emphasizing the need for authentic storytelling.
As Fan Bingbing steps back into the spotlight, her role in Mother Bhumi represents not only a personal comeback but also a deeper exploration of complex narratives in cinema. Her journey underscores the resilience of an artist determined to push boundaries and connect with audiences on a profound level.
